Oklahoma State has vaulted into the Top 25 after losing a close one to Florida State and beating Missouri State and Texas-San Antonio. The momentum the Cowboys have gained could vanish with a loss in their conference opener. Texas Tech needs to rebound after a humiliating 49-28 loss to Arkansas.

KEY MATCHUP

Oklahoma State’s offense vs. Texas Tech defensive coordinator Mike Smith. Co-defensive coordinator Matt Wallerstedt has resigned, leaving Smith to take over as the sole defensive coordinator. It’s a heck of a time for change - Oklahoma State averages 38 points per game and seems to be adjusting well to new starting quarterback Daxx Garman, who has stepped in for the injured J.W. Walsh. The switch comes after Arkansas rolled up 438 yards rushing and 499 total yards against the Red Raiders.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Texas Tech: QB Davis Webb has passed for 982 yards and 10 touchdowns in three games. He’s third in the Big 12 in total offense and leads an attack that averages just under 500 yards per game.

Oklahoma State: RB Tyreek Hill. The versatile JUCO transfer hasn’t gotten the ball as often as expected, but he’s shown enough to worry Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury, who called Hill “as dynamic a player as you’ll see in college football.” Hill ranks fourth in the Big 12 with 144 all-purpose yards per game.

FACTS & FIGURES

Oklahoma State has scored on every trip to the red zone this season. … The Cowboys have averaged 59 points in their past three games against the Red Raiders, all wins. … Oklahoma State has won the past five meetings with Tech. … Webb has thrown at least one touchdown pass in the first 13 games of his career. … Texas Tech has lost the turnover battle in 11 straight games.